Retail & SME Banking

GMOあおぞらネット銀行 has unveiled a new business loan product for small and mid-sized corporate clients, putting itself at the forefront of the competition for business financing that involves regional banks. The speed typical of an internet-only bank is also spurring traditional regional financial institutions into action.

七十七銀行 has begun offering WEB-based loans for small and mid-sized businesses, setting up a screening and contract process that does not require customers to visit a branch. りそなグループ and みなと銀行 have each entered new partnerships and agreements to support the overseas business of mid-sized and small companies, moving in step on the common theme of supporting overseas expansion in anticipation of a shrinking domestic market. In line with these moves by major and semi-major banks, エメラダ has strengthened its presence by expanding its business loan partnerships with regional banks, while アイフル was also mentioned in the context of financing partnerships for small and mid-sized corporations. AGビジネスサポート drew attention through its business loan partnership service, and JCB continues to expand its corporate fund management portal for small and mid-sized businesses to regional financial institutions. スパイラル gained more exposure as an example of digitalizing regional banks' loan operations, and SMBCコンシューマーファイナンス was discussed in the context of loan infrastructure for financial institutions.

Taken together, the picture emerging is one in which megabanks, regional banks and non-bank lenders are crossing traditional boundaries to support the cash flow of small and mid-sized businesses. Key themes such as WEB-based completion and support for overseas expansion have surfaced across the board, with the digitalization and internationalization of SME finance advancing at the same time. Today was a day in which these developments unfolded in parallel.